Camp Fire Settlement Update

PG&E Fire Settlement | Fire Victims Claims Resolution

These are the categories of loss and proof of loss that the Fire Victims Claims Resolution Procedures (FVCRP) suggest.

Real Property Damages – The loss of value of the property from the day before and after the fire including loss of trees and gardens. The cost of repair or rebuilding.

Proof may include:

• Verification of ownership
• Appraisals
• Tax records
• Purchase records
• Mortgage or loan documentation showing the pre-Fire condition or value of the property
• Pre-Fire and post-Fire photos or videos of the structures (interior or exterior) or other damaged areas of the property
• Architectural or engineering drawings
• Permits
• Contractor rebuild or repair estimates or invoices
• Arborist reports, timber surveys, or documents relating to landscaping
• Other supporting documents within the Claimant’s possession

Personal property – This is all your “stuff” including clothing, furniture, electronics, paintings, photographs, sculptures, collections, hygiene products and the entire contents of your residence, garage, barn, outdoors. We are including pets in this category as well. If you lost a pet(s), a photo or two of the pet(s) you lost would enhance this claim.

Proof may include:

• List of items destroyed or damaged in the residence (you can recycle the insurance list that you made; with the added things you may have forgotten)
• Proofs of purchase
• Pre-fire and post-fire photos
• Appraisals
• Other supporting documents within the Claimant’s possession (for the Camp Fire, we will get affidavits for you and those who are familiar with your contents to complete, if necessary)

Personal income loss – If you were out of work or lost a job, this is the category to place that loss. This includes lost rental income.

Proof may include:

• Tax returns, including all schedules and attachments
• W-2 Forms
• 1099 Forms
• Lease agreements or canceled rent checks
• Bank account statements identifying earnings
• Paycheck stubs or payroll records
• Other supporting documents within your possession

Business income loss

Proof may include:

• Description of the business, including its mission statement; (a video or audio recording is good)
• Tax returns, including all schedules or attachments
• Financial statements, including profit and loss statements
• Articles of Incorporation, bylaws, shareholder lists, or partnership or limited partnership agreements
• Leases, deeds, titles, or other documents identifying the property owned or occupied by the business
• Canceled contracts
• Photos, videos, or other documentary evidence of fire damage to your home or business
• Other supporting documents within your possession

Other out-of-pocket expenses – This is for living and moving expenses, medical, counseling, and other expenses not accounted for in the other categories.

Proof may include:

• Medical bills
• Rental bills
• Canceled checks
• Any other proof of expenses paid or incurred that you may have

Serious personal injury – For many, this will be the most difficult category (along with emotional distress). If you signed authorizations, we are obtaining your medical records. If you have sought medical treatment and have medical records and bills, and we have not previously asked you for an authorization to obtain them, please get in touch with us.

Emotional Distress – This contemplates the fear, anxiety, and emotional suffering you and your family experienced during your escape from the fire.

As noted above, the questionnaire has not yet been approved by the court. The specifics may be modified in some respects, but this is what we anticipate.

There is an appeals process and right-to-jury-trial under certain circumstances. We will consult with you as to the adequacy of the response to your proof of claim, and rights going forward after the response. Your proof of claim is very important as it will be the foundation for your monetary recovery, so we urge you to provide as much information now as you can.

There will be a court-approved trust established through which the settlement funds will be distributed once a final settlement of your claim is reached. NO ONE WILL BE PAID IN STOCK—all settlements will be paid in cash.

If you would like more information, this page contains a helpful Q&A for fire victims. Alternatively, you can always contact us by emailing or calling your paralegal, Janet. We are happy to help.